As difficult as it is to watch the Oscar-winning documentary “The Cove,” about the annual dolphin slaughter in Japan, the experience is rewarding on multiple levels.

The film is important in terms of exposing the dolphin kills that turns Taiji’s blue waters a sickening red in a gruesome few minutes’ time; it is also a rare piece of investigative filmmaking that weaves a compelling story while letting the viewer in on the sleuthing and clever technological rigging involved in capturing the underwater and above-ground images that shook the world.

Now the story of “The Cove” is extended — and in some parts rehashed — in a three-part miniseries, “Blood Dophins,” premiering this week on Animal Planet.

Ric O’Berry, the central figure of “The Cove” who has dedicated his life to saving dolphins after unwittingly giving impetus to the captive dolphin trade early in his career as the trainer of “Flipper,” again stars in the miniseries.

The articulate, media-savvy O’Berry reiterates the story of “Flipper” committing suicide in his arms and the tale of his crusade with his son Lincoln to stop the dolphin slaughter in Japan. The pair then travel to the Solomon Islands in an effort to halt the 400-year-old captive dolphin trade.

“Blood Dolphins” debuts Friday with a recap episode, “Return to Taiji,” at 10 p.m. “The Cove” will be replayed Sunday at 8 and 11 p.m. on Animal Planet.

Going beyond the original film, the TV miniseries can claim a degree of success.

Lincoln O’Berry, who serves as producer and director, told critics he is particularly proud of the TV project. “Not only are we showing the problem, but we’re actually going and solving it and doing something about it. And you’ll see that in the Solomon Islands, where we actually stop the largest slaughter of dolphins in the world.”

— Joanne Ostrow, Denver Post

What: “Blood Dolphins”

When: Debuts Friday

Where: Animal Planet

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